Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Tyler Van Gorp, New Trier basketball

Tyler Van Gorp is a 6-foot-10 senior center for the Trevians. He will continue playing basketball at Williams College next season.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Not anything too specific, but I always gotta make sure I spend a lot of time stretching my hips before a game. I always feel a boost and more free when my hips are loose and free.

2. Why is Williams the right fit for you?

From an academic and athletic point of view it was a great match for me, and I really connected to kids on campus when I went to visit in the fall.

3. When did you have your big growth spurt?

I’ve been around the range of 6-10 since I was a freshman. I was a 6-8, 6-9 freshman.

4. What are the challenges to being that tall, that young?

When I was in eight grade (Joseph Sears School), I was 6-8 and like 160 pounds. With that much height on your body, it was super hard to get coordinated. I had to get acclimated to my body.

5. What is your dream job?

I would say a campaign manager. I am super into politics and follow elections and stuff.

6. What is your favorite thing to do off the court?

I have a couple things. I really like reading, that’s one of my favorite things to do. I’m a big golfer. I love playing golf. And I love taking my dog (Eloise, Wheaton terrier) for a walk.

7. If you played another sport, what would it be?

I would say swimming. I swam a lot as a kid and I always fantasize what would have happened if I kept up with swimming. I still love watching swimming during the Olympics.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I would say an iced tea. Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge fan of iced tea, and when I get a chance, I always choose iced tea.

9. What is something people do not know about you?

It’s kinda weird, but I wear a watch pretty much wherever I go. That’s unique for kids my age. I’ve worn a watch so long (four years) there’s an indent of a watch on a wrist.

10. What does this team have to do in these last weeks to get to where it wants to be?

I would just say keep working defensively. I think we have the potential to be a really good defensive team with our speed and my height. Just keep working on that. We could be a real special team if we get locked in defensively.

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